The Perilous Life of Symphony Orchestras; Artistic Triumphs and Economic Challenges

This book analyzes the economic challenges facing symphony orchestras and contrasts the experience of orchestras in the United States (where there is little direct government support) and abroad (where governments typically provide large direct subsidies). Robert J. Flanagan explains the tension between artistic excellence and financial jeopardy that confronts most symphony orchestras. He analyzes three complementary strategies for addressing orchestras' economic challengesraising performance revenues, slowing the growth of performance expenses, and increasing nonperformance incomeand demonstrates that none of the three strategies aloneis likely to provide economic security for orchestras.

Robert J. Flanagan is the Konosuke Matsushita Professor of International Labor Economics and Policy Analysis, Emeritus, at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. He lives in California.